On May 21, 2017 Los Hermanos celebrated its 10th year at Skyline College by hosting a 10-Year Celebration Dinner and Fundraiser at Morelos Hall in South San Francisco. An evening filled with honors, live music, and dancing was dedicated to the accomplishments of Hermanos students who continue to make a positive impact in their communities.
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Liliana Rivera and Alberto Santellan followed by dinner donated by La Tapatia which included a variety of meats, chips, and aguas frescas. The entertainment for the event included Ballet Folklorico & Mariachi, Alma De Mexico whose beautiful dancing and music had many of the attendees on their feet! As the evening continued speeches were made from Hermano and Hermana alumni Jose Milan, class of 2007, Luis de Paz, class of 2008, and Kristal Lugo, class of 2017. During the event, Los Hermanos was honored with proclamations and congratulatory commendations, including: Proclamation: City of South San Francisco, Karyl Matsumoto, Proclamation: Office of Assemblyman Gene Mullin, and Congratulatory Commendation: Office of Congresswoman Jackie Speier.
The evening featured a keynote address by Dr. Cèsar Cruz, educator, author, and activist. Dr. Cruz shared memorable insights surrounding his own personal history as an immigrant, the hidden cultural histories and achievements of Latinx activists, and encouraged students to take charge of their education. His powerful speech was very moving to the over 150 people in attendance that included Hermanos and Hermanos students from the past 10 years, Skyline College faculty, community members, and city council members.
The Los Hermanos Program at Skyline College has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young Latino males. As we celebrated that evening, we also thanked the fierce educators who had a vision to develop the scope, quality, accessibility and accountability, of programs and services. A vision to fulfill the college’s role as a leading academic and cultural center for our community. Thank you Dr. Luis Escobar, Jacqueline Escobar, Pablo Gonzalez, Felix Perez, and Adolfo Leiva. And, thank you to the educators who have played integral roles in the success of Los Hermanos for the past 10 years.
This evening would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors who have donated to ensure the sustainability of Los Hermanos: Financial Partners, First National Bank, Kiwanis Club, New York Life Insurance Company, Guillermo “Memo” Morantes, San Mateo Credit Union, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, South San Francisco Scavengers, and Karyl Matsumoto SSF City Counsel.
Also, thank you to the donors who have contributed to make the event a huge success: Antigua Café, Balleet Folklocico & Mariachi, Alma De Mexico, Brentwood Bowl, Cable Care Café, Ceja Vineyards Sonoma, Dave’s Carpets, DiNapoli Ristorante, Grand Avenue Hardware, Guillermo “Memo” Morantes, Fatima & Uriel Rios, Iris Flowers, Jalisco Market, La Tapatia, Luminous Day Spa, Pablo Gonzalez, Raul Duenas Floral and Event Design, Round Pond Estate, R.V. Visions Photography, Sociedad Mexicana Mutualista Morelos, School House Deli, Thai Satay Restaurant
A special thanks to emcee: Gustavo Lopez, Photographer Sthive Valencia, and Fresko the DJ.
Article by Alberto Santellan | Photos by Sthive Valencia
